Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

overcompensation

Noun

/ˌoʊvərˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃən/

Definition

The act of compensating excessively for a perceived deficiency or error.

Examples

His overcompensation for his lack of experience led him to take unnecessary risks.
She bought an expensive car in overcompensation for her fear of not being successful.

Meaning

Overcompensation occurs when a person tries to counterbalance a weakness or failure by going to extremes in another area, often resulting in behavior that may seem exaggerated or insincere.